Strawberries
Fresh sweet strawberries that are picked in the peak of summer will be best for this cocktail. That being said, the simple syrup really compliments the strawberries and even strawberries from the grocery store will be great. You want to look for strawberries that are bright red with green stems. Look closely at the package because one strawberry that is at the end of its life can ruin a whole package. Keep in mind that raspberries and blueberries can easily replace the strawberries in this recipe. These delicious cocktails are absolutely delightful. They are the perfect drink to make during the summer with freshly picked strawberries and fresh mint from your garden. Don’t miss my section below on making these non-alcoholic.
Strawberries: Provide a burst of sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant color. Muddled to release their juices, they infuse the cocktail with a delicious fruity flavor. Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used. Fresh mint: The star of the traditional mojito, the mint’s refreshing flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries and enhances the overall taste of the cocktail. Plus some extra for garnish! Read more on storing mint below. Simple syrup: Sweetens the mojito without leaving any grainy texture. It is so easy to make homemade simple syrup. I always keep this bar staple on hand for cocktails! Lime juice: I always recommend squeezing it directly from the fruit for the best flavor. Rum: White or light rum is the classic spirit used in mojitos. It has a light, clean flavor that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. Bacardi is a great choice. Club soda: Adds a light and refreshing fizz factor to the cocktail. I keep little bottles of club soda in my pantry to so I always have fresh club soda on hand.
Muddle the strawberries and mint. Add the mint leaves and strawberry slices to a glass along with the simple syrup and fresh lime juice. Gently muddle them. If you don’t have a cocktail muddler, the handle of a wooden spoon works great. Add rum. Fill the glass with ice and stir to combine. Top with club soda. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and extra mint springs. Enjoy!
Non-Alcoholic Mojitos
While we were traveling over spring break this year, my daughter ordered a non-alcoholic strawberry mojito at a restaurant. They are so easy to make kid-friendly! Leave the recipe exactly the same, but just leave out the rum. If your kids have a sweet tooth, you can replace some or all of the club soda with lemon lime soda. To store the mint, get a paper towel damp, but not soaking wet. Loosely wrap the damp towel around the mint and put it in a plastic bag, keeping the bag open and unsealed.
Other Alcohol
Classic mojitos are made with rum. If you don’t like rum or want to use something else, you could use vodka or even tequila as I do in my Mojito Margarita recipe, though you will be missing the classic flavor.
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